Newdelhi:12/12/24:The Union Cabinet has approved bills to implement the ‘One Nation, One Election’, with draft legislation expected to be introduced during the ongoing Winter session of Parliament, sources told PTI. The decision came during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The government is planning extensive consultations on these bills, which are likely to be referred to a parliamentary committee for review. Additionally, there are plans to engage with the Speakers of various state legislative assemblies through the proposed committee to ensure broader input.

In September, the government accepted the recommendations of a high-level committee, which suggested conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in a phased manner.

Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Sources indicate that one of the proposed bills will seek to amend Article 82A by introducing sub-clauses related to the terms of Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. This includes provisions for setting the appointed date and aligning their dissolution timelines. Further, Article 83(2) will be amended, with new sub-clauses addressing the duration and dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Interestingly, the draft legislation will not require ratification by 50 percent of the states unless it concerns local body elections, which would involve matters tied to state affairs.